Publishing Briefs: Old Dominion's Brad Tursi Signs With UMPG Nashville, Reservoir Nabs Young M.A and More

By Billboard

Country singer-songwriter Brad Tursi has been signed to a global co-publishing deal with Universal Music Publishing Group Nashville, the company announced Tuesday (Oct. 8). The deal includes his future works and entire back catalog.

Tursi has written nine Country Airplay No. 1 songs as a member of the band Old Dominion, including "No Such Thing as a Broken Heart”, “Written in the Sand” and “Make It Sweet.” He has also written Country Airplay No. 1 songs for artists including Luke Bryan and Kenny Chesney.

“Signing Brad provides that unique opportunity to work with a hit songwriter who not only writes hits for Old Dominion but also for other superstar artists," said UMPG Nashville chairman and CEO Troy Tomlinson. "That, coupled with securing the rights to his entire back catalog, means lots of opportunities for us. We are grateful for his trust in our team.”

Reservoir has signed rapper Young M.Ato a worldwide publishing deal that includes global rights to her entire catalog, it was announced Tuesday (Oct. 8).

Young M.A has enjoyed a top 20 hit on the Billboard Hot 100 with "OOOUUU," as well as over a billion streams. Her latest LP, Herstory in the Making, debuted at no. 4 on the Billboard 200.

“Young M.A is a game-changer,” said senior vp A&R and catelog development Faith Newman. “She initially grabbed my attention with her unapologetic authenticity and held it with her unparalleled rhyme skills. And this is only the beginning for her; she adds a unique voice to the Reservoir roster and we are thrilled to be her publisher.”

"As an independent artist it’s important for me to continue adding the right partners to my team,” added Young M.A. “I’m excited about being in business with Reservoir and joining forces with such a reputable company....ready to make BIG moves!”

On Monday (Oct. 7), Third Side Music announced worldwide full catalog and go-forward admin deals with Scissor Sisters and Carlos Niño.

The Scissor Sisters' full catalog deal includes Jason Sellards (aka Jake Shears), Scott Hoffman (aka Babydaddy) and Derek Gruen (aka Del Marquis) shares in the songs respectively. Formed in 2001, the band has released four studio albums, including the hit single "I Don't Feel Like Dancin."

Producer and composer Niño has been involved in the production of over 100 records.

“I grew up in a town small enough that the prevailing '70s thought was that Rob Halford was wearing leather for biker safety. As such, I was mocked by my co-heshers when I would try to get them on board with glam rock, Roxy Music, Todd Rundgren and the like. So now in 2019, I can’t wait to put two fingers up and have TSM Van McCoy level hustle so hard for this Scissor Sisters catalog,” said Third Side Music co-owner Jeff Waye.

“It’s rare to meet such an intelligent, creative, honest and giving human,” said Third Side’s evp creative/a&r Alex Kelman. “Carlos exudes all of these qualities and channels each and every one into his music. It’s an honor for us to be able to play a small part in that.”

Spirit Music Group has signed David Garcia to a catalog and go-forward publishing deal, it was announced Monday (Sept. 23). The deal includes Garcia's entire back catalog.

A four-time Grammy award-winning songwriter and producer, Garcia has collaborated with chart-topping Christian and country artists. He co-wrote and produced "Meant To Be" by Bebe Rexha feat. Florida Georgia Line, which spent 50 weeks at No. 1 on the BillboardHot Country Songs chart.

“Spirit Music Group is honored to partner with David Garcia in both his catalog and new works,” said Spirit Music Group chairman Jon Singer. “David has a proven track record of hits, and the impressive ability to write in multiple genres -- the entire global team at Spirit is excited to give David our full support.”

Little Louder Music has signed Jackson Dean to a worldwide, go-forward publishing deal, the company announced Monday (Oct. 7).

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